Shias worldwide commemorate passing of late Ayatollah Sayyid Muhammad Ridha al-Shirazi
Shia followers of Ahlulbayt, peace be upon them, in Iraq and the Islamic world renewed their condolences to Imam al-Mahdi, may Almighty Allah hasten his honourable reappearance, on the anniversary of the passing of the scholar Ayatollah Sayyid Muhammad Ridha al-Shirazi, may his noble soul be sanctified.
Ayatollah al-Shirazi passed away on the 26th of Jumada Al-Awwal in the year 1429 AH (2008) in the holy city of Qom under mysterious circumstances. It is widely believed that he was assassinated by enemies of Ahlulbayt, leaving this world as a martyr.
He was the eldest son of the late Religious Authority, Grand Ayatollah Imam Sayyid Muhammad al-Husseini al-Shirazi, may his soul be sanctified; the elder brother of the Supreme Religious Authority, Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Sadiq Al-Husseini Al-Shirazi.
Born in the holy city of Karbala in 1379 AH, Ayatollah Mohammed Ridha al-Shirazi grew up near the shrine of Imam Hussain, peace be upon him, from whom he learned devotion, sacrifice, and dedication to Almighty Allah. He was raised under the guidance of his father and gained his knowledge and ethics from him.
He began his early education in the Quran Memorization School and later joined the Honourable Hawza (seminary) in Holy Karbala, where he studied religious sciences under prominent scholars.
Due to persecution by the Ba’athist regime, Ayatollah al-Shirazi and his family migrated to Kuwait. There, he continued his studies under his uncle, Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Sadiq al-Husseini al-Shirazi, and also delivered religious lectures to the faithful youth.
Ayatollah al-Shirazi became a prominent teacher in Holy Qom, offering lessons in advanced religious studies and beginning to teach jurisprudence and principles in 1408 AH. His classes continued until his passing.
He was known for his exemplary character, humility, and constant smile, despite carrying sorrow in his heart, embodying the qualities of true believers. Many scholars who are now teachers in religious seminaries worldwide were among his students.
Ayatollah Mohammed Ridha al-Shirazi left behind a wealth of intellectual and spiritual contributions, including numerous lectures broadcast on religious satellite channels and significant publications.
His works include At-Tartib (a profound study in principles of Islamic jurisprudence), Tadabbur in the Quran (a Quranic exegesis with two published volumes), and books such as The Great Prophet: Leader of Human Civilization, Friday Sermons andThe Mahdism Series.
